Ian Garry has called Islam Makhachev a 'princess' and stated he has been waiting for the lightweight champion to agree to a fight since May. Garry criticized Makhachev for inconsistent messaging about his availability, first citing a hand injury, then contradicting UFC president Dana White's proposed August timeline by suggesting July instead. The Irish welterweight contender said he has been ready since Makhachev pulled out of a May fight. Islam Makhachev responded to the callout, telling Garry not to worry about his injuries and that he is ready to fight anyone at any time, just waiting for the contract.
Ian Garry has gone on the offensive against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, publicly calling him a "princess" and claiming he has been waiting for a fight since May after Makhachev pulled out of a previously planned bout.
The Irish welterweight contender expressed frustration over what he described as mixed signals from the Russian champion, who first cited a hand injury before apparently contradicting UFC president Dana White's proposed August timeline by suggesting July instead. Garry made clear he has remained ready throughout the back-and-forth and is growing impatient with the uncertainty.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 professional record and is the reigning lightweight champion, also sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The Dagestan native, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands submissions at a rate of 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes, complementing a striking accuracy of 58 percent. He fired back at Garry's comments, telling the Irishman not to concern himself with his injuries and insisting he is ready to fight anyone at any time — he is simply waiting on the contract.
Why it matters
- Garry, a welterweight contender, is pursuing a cross-divisional challenge against the pound-for-pound number one, raising the stakes considerably beyond a standard title fight.
- Makhachev's conflicting availability timelines have created genuine confusion around his next title defense, leaving the division in a holding pattern.
- A grappling-dominant champion against a striker known for his footwork and range presents a compelling stylistic contrast if the fight moves forward.
